Right now, the former Crazy Sam’s bar, located between the Alamo and the River Walk, is the bar with no name. It’s in the middle of a transition from one of the crappiest bars downtown into a beer garden. Plans for the construction of the actual bar and bar back are being considered today by the Historic and Design Review Commission. If they are approved, it will take about four weeks to build it, and for the place to start resembling its next incarnation.

Crazy Sam’s the business name is staying put. It’s joining forces with Mad Dogs on the River Walk. Both bars are tenants of the Hyatt Regency hotel.

Under the working name BierGarten, they’ll offer 20 taps and 50 to 60 bottled beers. Texas brews, mostly. And because of the new beer distribution laws, they’ll be looking to offer selections from local brewers Freetail and Blue Star brewing companies.

I asked about the prices, because at Crazy Sam’s they were outrageous — $7-$9 for a Miller Lite. Corless said they will be comparable to Mad Dog’s. So, River Walk prices. Still expensive compared to dive bars, but at least you won’t feel like calling the authorities after paying your bill like when it was Crazy Sam’s.

“We are going to spend money on this, and then lower the prices,” Corless said.

The kitchen space is being redone to accommodate making quick items like sausages and pretzels. All the time, the bar will remain open through the remodeling. As soon as the new taps are installed and the beer garden idea manifests itself, I’ll let you know.